LONG-LASTING COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES: HOW DO THEY SUCCESS?

Why do some businesses survive for decades or even centuries, while most disappear within a few years? This study aims to examine the strategic foundations behind the success of long-lived businesses in Türkiye by focusing on 26 companies in Eskişehir that have been operating continuously for more than 50 years. Within the framework of strategic management theory, the research aims to identify the organizational and entrepreneurial capabilities that sustain the longevity of businesses in rapidly changing environments. While the existing literature on longevity, with its strategic perspective, mostly revolves around the resources and competencies that should be used to create competitive advantages, the management science perspective mostly emphasizes the practices and preferences of firms. This study contributes to this emerging conversation by providing a context-specific and empirically grounded understanding of longevity. Through interviews with founders and second or third generation representatives, the article reveals key themes such as cultural continuity and tradition, adaptability and innovation, stakeholder loyalty, operational efficiency, and market dynamics. The findings suggest that the enduring success of these businesses is based on a combination of internal and external capabilities. The study fills an important gap in longevity research specific to Türkiye by contextualizing long-lived firms through a strategy-focused lens.